Local businesses, contractors team up to build new wheelchair ramp for injured Giants fan Bryan Stow

CAPITOLA - While injured Giants fan Bryan Stow continues to make progress at a rehabilitation facility, several local companies are working together to make sure his parents' house is ready for him when he eventually comes home.

That includes constructing a new, yellow concrete ramp and remodeling the bathrooms.

Stow, then a paramedic living in Live Oak, was severely beaten on March 31, 2011 during the Giants-Dodgers opening game at Dodger Stadium. The attack left the 43-year-old father of two with a traumatic brain injury, and he's had to relearn how to speak, feed himself and stand, among other things.

More than a month ago, he was transferred from the Santa Clara Valley Medical Facility to a center designed to help him aggressively learn how to gain as much independence as possible.

In the meantime, local general contractor Ryder Webb has been working to help the Stow family prepare for when he leaves the facility and comes to live with his parents in Capitola. Webb met Bryan's parents, Dave and Ann Stow, through their attorney, a fellow member of the local chapter of Men's Division International, a nonprofit community organization. He began working with them to make the necessary renovations at their home to make it handicap-accessible.

"The whole thing is pro bono," Webb said. "There are a lot of local companies that have stepped up ... it's really inspiring."

Pro-Build and Scarborough Lumber have donated many of the materials for the projects, and others have donated time and services. Webb contacted Tom Ralston Concrete to see if the company would be willing to donate their services to create a wheelchair ramp for the outside of the Stows' home. Ralston said he was happy to help.

"I'd known Bryan's uncles, they're longtime Santa Cruz guys," said Ralston, who grew up in the area. "Bryan's story has touched everyone's hearts."

Ralston decided to use golden sandstone for the approximately 45-foot concrete ramp, to give it a little "yellow brick road" type flair, he said.

The ramp was completed Tuesday, using concrete donated by Granite Rock Co. and copper flashing donated by George H. Wilson Contractors.

"It's been really wonderful," Webb said of the collaborative efforts.

Stow's parents could not be reached to comment Wednesday.

Last week, the San Francisco Giants dedicated their opening day to Stow, who appeared via satellite on the video board, and virtually "handed" the first-pitch ball to his 13-year-old son Tyler. He said "Tyler, here's your ball. Good luck son," and his son then threw a fastball from the mound. The moment left few dry eyes in the stadium.

Two Rialto men, Marvin Norwood and Louie Sanchez, were charged in the attack on Stow. They're being held in jail in Los Angeles County in lieu of $500,000 bail and are due back in court May 22, according to court records.